“In female subjects, these differences were even more pronounced than in the whole study group, and bloating, GI rumbling as well as abdominal discomfort were improved by trend in the Perilla extract group if compared to the placebo.”

The 4-week pilot study was conducted by a team of Japanese and German researchers and published in the journal, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Measurable improvements

The 50 subjects involved were aged 30 to 70 and had reduced bowel movements and GI discomfort. They took part in a two week ‘run-in’ phase to provide baseline measurements of stool frequency and consistency, as well as GI discomfort.

Subjects were randomly placed into one of two study groups and consumed either the study product or placebo (tapioca starch) over a four week period.

Perilla extract was found to significantly improve GI symptoms during the study period while the placebo was only able to reduce abdominal discomfort.

“The placebo effects were only measurable after four weeks of intake, whereas the perilla extract effects were measurable already in the first part of intervention and were even strengthened with ongoing supplementation,” said the researchers.

Propensity for natural supplementation

Around 20% of the population suffers from GI discomfort, particularly women.

“Many indications for the use of such remedies are anecdotally or traditionally derived. Physicians are looking for alternative therapies, co- medications or food supplements which demonstrated beneficial effects within randomized controlled trials.”